International Stories

Discover what it’s really like to study at the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) through the experiences of our international students and graduates.

From arriving in a new country to building careers and lifelong connections, these stories highlight the journeys, challenges, and successes of students who have chosen to study with us in Southland and Queenstown.

Every student's journey is different. Here are just a few of the stories from international students currently studying at SIT.

Student Stories

These stories reflect the real experiences of international students as they adapt to life in New Zealand, explore new opportunities, and work towards their academic goals.


Farha Khan – Master of Applied Health Science

Farha Khan already had an established career in the health sector before she chose to come to New Zealand and further her studies.

Will Li - Master of Information Technology
Will Li had worked in IT for many years before discovering Southern Institute of Technology (SIT), where he was considering pursuing the Master of Information Technology (IT), but when he found...
Johanna Lehmann – Study Abroad student
Johanna Lehman from Germany says it was one of her biggest wishes to do a semester abroad. “SIT seemed cool because it’s on the other side of the world,” she says. Coming from...
Renatha Soh Pande - Pre-Entry Applied Health Science
When Renatha Soh Pande (Natha for short) was 10 years old, she dreamt of studying abroad, but didn’t know which country it would be. Natha is from Papua New Guinea, which she calls...
Marcos Martinez – Bachelor of Information Technology
When Marcos Martinez discovered he could to come to New Zealand to complete his studies, he seized the opportunity, settling into life in Invercargill, half a world away from his home country of...
Scholarship recipient aims to advance sustainable home design
SIT2LRN Distance Learning student, Carla Garcia, is delighted to be a Prime Minister’s Scholarship recipient. When she heard she had the scholarship in late 2023, Carla says “I cried,...
Sera-Therise - Bachelor of Information Technology

Exchange student Sera-Therise from Germany has chosen to include a year’s study overseas in New Zealand to complete papers towards a Bachelor of IT, at SIT Invercargill.

Renz Condino
From new New Zealander in 2015, to being offered a dream opportunity at an award-winning winery restaurant in 2021, Renz Reneil Condino has set his feet firmly on the path to success through hard...

For many students, their journey at SIT leads to meaningful career pathways and long-term opportunities in New Zealand and beyond. Our graduates share how their experience has helped shape their future.

Graduate Stories

Hear from SIT graduates who have successfully completed their studies and taken the next step in their careers. These stories highlight the outcomes, skills, and opportunities gained through studying at SIT.


Yumiko Horigome - Bachelor of Therapeutic and Sports Massage
Yumiko Horigome fulfilled a dream she’d held since a teenager when she walked across the stage to receive her Bachelor of Therapeutic and Sports Massage from SIT last year, and she is now...
Jo Boardman - Bachelor in Therapeutic & Sports Massage

For Jo Boardman, gaining her massage degree through SIT became a springboard to successfully launch her biggest and most audacious career dream.

Louise De Chasteigner Dumée - Bachelor of Sports & Therapeutic Massage
Having dedicated the past six years to refining her skills as a massage therapist, Louise Dumée hopes to use the knowledge and skills she’s gained through education to contribute...
Carina Viljoen - NZ Diploma in Remedial Massage
Napier-based Carina Viljoen studied the New Zealand Diploma in Remedial Massage (Level 6) with SIT after not being able to complete the study locally. Taking the opportunity to use the flexibility...
Marie Dorin - NZ Diploma in Wellness & Relaxation Massage
After working in hospitality for over 10 years, Marie Dorin felt the need to make a change and learn something new. Having explored different roles in Queenstown’s tourism sector, Marie had...
Dinah-Lee Miller - Bachelor of Therapeutic and Sports Massage
After completing high school, Dinah-Lee Miller went on to achieve a business degree, but she still felt unsure of her career path. Dinah-Lee’s interest in massage started as a hobby at home....
Dr Jo Smith
Dr Jo Smith is a long term advocate for recognition of the therapeutic massage industry as a highly professional and legitimate industry. The focus of her research in 2014 was provision of...

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Southern Institute of Technology • New Zealand